Whole Blood Se Research Articles

A Risk Correlative Model for Sleep Disorders in Chinese Older Adults Based on Blood Micronutrient Levels: A Matched Case-Control Study.

The physical abilities of older adults decline with age, making them more susceptible to micronutrient deficiency, which may affect their sleep quality. This study aimed to construct a risk correlative model for sleep disorders in Chinese older adults based on blood micronutrient levels. In this matched case-control study, we recruited 124 participants with sleep disorders and 124 matched controls from the Tianjin Elderly Nutrition and Cognition cohort in China. Micronutrient levels in whole blood were measured using the dried blood spot technique. We compared the differences in micronutrient levels between the two groups and also constructed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model and nomogram for sleep disorders. In comparison to the control group, the sleep disorders group showed lower levels of blood vitamin A, vitamin E (VE), folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium (Se) in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of VE + folate + Se may have an excellent diagnostic effect on sleep disorders, with an area under the curve of 0.964. This VE + folate + Se was integrated into a nomogram model to demonstrate their relationship with sleep disorders. The consistency index of the model was 0.88, suggesting that the model assessed sleep disorders well. The sleep disorders risk correlative model constructed by the levels of VE, folate, and Se in whole blood might show good performance in assessing the risk of sleep disorders in older adults.

210 Maternal dietary organic selenium improves selenium status in neonatal lambs compared with single maternal or neonatal injection of inorganic selenium

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of three industry standard practices for improving the selenium (Se) status in neonatal lambs. Pregnant Polypay ewes (n = 27) at around 40 d pre-partum were enrolled in the study. The ewes were fed with grass silage and grain and, at 40 d from expected lambing, randomly allocated to one of three groups: 1) a single injection of 25 g sodium selenate as BO-SE/kg body weight (BW) at 4 wk before expected parturition (Inj-E) and not injection in the lambs; 2) no injection of BO-SE in the ewe but injection of 4.38 mg sodium selenite as BO-SE at 3 d of life of the lambs (Inj-L); and 3) no injection of BO-SE to the ewes or lambs but the ewes were fed 3.6 mg Se/day as Se-yeast (Yst-E) through the duration of the study (40 d prepartum + 30 d postpartum). Lambs were nursed by their own dams for 30 d without access to other feed (i.e., only milk). Blood was collected from the lambs at d 3 and 10 of life to measure 14 minerals, including Se, using ICP-MS. Glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) was measured using a commercial kit. Data were analyzed using a GLIMMIX of SAS with an ARH covariance with treatment and time as the main effect, with lambs nested in ewe as a random effect. The number of lambs/ewes was used as a covariate. The injection of BO-SE in the ewes did not affect concentrations of Se in the lambs at birth, as there were no differences in whole blood Se between lambs in Inj-E and lambs in Inj-L at 3 d of life (i.e., before Inj-L received the BO-SE). The injection of BO-SE did not affect the level of Se in the whole blood of lambs 7 d after the injection compared with baseline (i.e., 3 d of life). Consequently, there was no difference in whole blood Se between lambs in Inj-E and Inj-L groups (177 vs. 167 ng/mL, respectively). However, injection of Se in pre-parturient dams did improve GPx activity in offspring (P = 0.04). Lambs in Yst-E had significantly greater concentrations of Se in whole blood compared with the other two groups at both 3 and 10 d of life (281 ng/mL; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Our data demonstrate that the typical industry standard approach of injecting inorganic Se in prepartum ewes or neonatal lambs is ineffective while feeding Se-yeast to dams was effective in improving Se status in lambs.

Emerging evidence on selenoneine and its public health relevance in coastal populations: a review and case study of dietary Se among Inuit populations in the Canadian Arctic.

Selenium is an essential mineral yet both deficiency and excess are associated with adverse health effects. Dietary intake of Se in humans varies greatly between populations due to food availability, dietary preferences, and local geological and ecosystem processes impacting Se accumulation into agricultural products and animal populations. We argue there is a need to evaluate and reconsider the relevance of public health recommendations on Se given recent evidence, including the metabolic pathways and health implications of Se. This argument is particularly pertinent for Inuit populations in Northern Canada, who often exceed dietary tolerable upper intake levels and exhibit very high whole blood Se concentrations due to their dependence on local country foods high in the newly discovered Se compound, selenoneine. Since selenoneine appears to have lower toxicity compared to other Se species and does not contribute to the circulating pools of Se for selenoprotein synthesis, we argue that total dietary Se or total Se in plasma or whole blood are poor indicators of Se adequacy for human health in these populations. Overall, this review provides an overview of the current evidence of Se speciation, deficiency, adequacy, and excess and implications for human health and dietary recommendations, with particular reference to Inuit populations in the Canadian Arctic and other coastal populations consuming marine foods.

Toxic Metal and Essential Element Concentrations in the Blood and Tissues of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal neoplasm, and it has an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Although the factors that influence PDAC development remain unclear, exposure to toxic metals or the imbalance in essential elements may have a role in PDAC-associated metabolic pathways. This study determined the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn in whole blood, cancer and non-cancer tissues of patients affected by PDAC, and compared them with levels in healthy controls using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results of the whole blood showed significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio in PDAC patients compared to the controls. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Se, Fe and Zn significantly increased in cancer tissue compared to the healthy counterparts. This study revealed evidence of altered metal levels in the blood and pancreatic tissues of PDAC patients with respect to healthy controls. These changes may contribute to multiple mechanisms involved in metal-induced carcinogenesis, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, genetic alteration, decreased antioxidant barriers and inflammatory responses. Thus, the analysis of metals can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of PDAC neoplasms.

Multi-element Exposure and Cognitive Function in Rural Elderly Chinese.

To investigate the relationship between selenium (Se) based multi-element combined exposure and cognitive function in rural elderly individuals, a cross-sectional study was conducted. The study involved 416 older adults aged 60 and above, residing in four different areas of Enshi county, China, with varying soil Se levels. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to measure the concentrations of Se, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) in whole blood. Nine standard cognitive tests were applied to assess cognitive function. Analysis of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO), covariance (ANCOVA), and generalized linear model (GLM) were utilized to investigate the relationship between element exposure and cognitive function. The results of LASSO revealed that Se, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, and Pb were independently identified to be associated with cognition. Both ANCOVA and GLM demonstrated that Se and Ca were correlated with cognitive function. The multi-element model showed higher composite Z scores of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.55) for log-transformed Se (P = 0.007), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.01 to 1.49) for log-transformed Cu (P = 0.048), and a lower score of - 0.67 (95% CI: - 1.26 to - 0.08) for log-transformed Ca (P = 0.025). Furthermore, there was evidence that Se could counteract the negative impact of Ca on cognitive function (P for interaction = 0.031). Our findings suggested that higher levels of Se and Cu were associated with better cognitive function in the elderly and Se can counteract the cognitive damage caused by Ca.

Effects of Amount and Chemical Form of Selenium Amendments on Forage Selenium Concentrations and Species Profiles.

Selenium (Se) agronomic biofortification of plants is effective for alleviating Se deficiencies in human and livestock populations. Less is known about how higher selenate amendment rates, or how foliar compared with granular selenate amendments affect forage Se concentrations. Therefore, we compared the effects of a higher sodium selenate foliar amendment rate (900 vs. 90g Se ha-1), and two selenate amendment methods (liquid foliar sodium selenate vs. granular slow-release Selcote Ultra® at 0, 45, and 90g Se ha-1) on Se concentrations and Se species in forages across Oregon. The 10 × amendment rate (900g Se ha-1) resulted in 6.4 × higher forage Se concentrations in the first cut (49.19 vs. 7.61mg Se kg-1 plant DM, respectively) compared with the 90gha-1 amendment rate, indicating that forages can tolerate higher selenate amendment rates. Most Se was incorporated as SeMet (75%) in the harvested portion of the forage (37mg Se kg-1 forage DM of the first cut) and only a limited amount was stored in the selenate reserve pool in the leaves (~ 5mg Se kg-1 forage DM). Higher application rates of selenate amendment increased forage Se concentrations in first and second cuts, but carry over in subsequent years was negligible. Application of foliar selenate vs. granular Selcote Ultra® amendments, between 0 and 90g Se ha-1, both resulted in a linear, dose-dependent increase in forage Se concentration. Amendments differed in their Se incorporation pattern (Se%), in that, first cut forage Se concentrations were higher with foliar selenate amendment and second, third, and residual (following spring) cut forage Se concentrations were higher with granular Selcote Ultra® amendment. Given the linear relationship between forage Se concentrations and whole-blood Se concentrations in livestock consuming Se-biofortified forage, we conclude that targeted grazing or other forage feeding strategies will allow producers to adapt to either selenate-amendment form.

Selenium and Redox Enzyme Activity in Pregnant Women Exposed to Methylmercury.

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient with essential physiological functions achieved through the production of selenoproteins. Adequate Se intake has health benefits and reduces mercury (Hg) toxicity, which is important due to its neurotoxicity. This study determined the Se status and redox enzyme, including selenoproteins', activity in pregnant women highly exposed to Hg (between 1 to 54 µg Hg/L blood) via fish consumption. A cross-sectional study enrolling 513 women between the first and third trimester of pregnancy from Madeira, Portugal was conducted, encompassing collection of blood and plasma samples. Samples were analyzed for total Se and Hg levels in whole blood and plasma, and plasma activity of redox-active proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin (Trx). Enzyme activities were related to Se and Hg levels in blood. Se levels in whole blood (65.0 ± 13.1 µg/L) indicated this population had a sub-optimal Se status, which translated to low plasma GPx activity (69.7 ± 28.4 U/L). The activity of TrxR (12.3 ± 5.60 ng/mL) was not affected by the low Se levels. On the other hand, the decrease in Trx activity with an increase in Hg might be a good indicator to prevent fetal susceptibility.

Selenium Speciation in Paired Whole Blood and Serum Samples From Pregnant Bangladeshi Women

ObjectivesWe aimed to characterize the relative concentrations of selected major selenium (Se) species in paired whole blood (WB) and serum samples collected from pregnant women at delivery in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Speciation analysis enabled differentiation of organic and inorganic Se, and quantification of the nutritionally bioactive reduced selenometabolite, selenoneine, which has been previously observed in WB from populations with high levels of fish consumption. MethodsPaired WB and serum specimens (n = 515) were collected at delivery among participants of the Maternal Vitamin D for Infant Growth trial. Quantification of total serum Se and total WBSe was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Speciation analyses were conducted in a subset of pairs (n = 20) to quantify selenometabolites using liquid chromatography coupled to ICP-MS at the University of Cincinnati. Concentrations of inorganic Se (IV), selenoneine, selenocysteine (SeCys), selenomethioneine (SeMet) were expressed as % of total Se. We assessed concordance between results generated across laboratories using paired t-tests. ResultsOverall (n = 515), mean (SD) serum Se and WBSe concentrations (μg/L) were 70 (14) and 135 (18), respectively, such that average Serum Se as a proportion of WBSe was 52%. Findings were similar in the speciation subset (n = 20) [total Serum Se: 82 (19); total WBSe: 138 (18), with a ratio of serum Se to WBSe: 60%]. Sums of quantified species accounted for most of the total serum Se (72 (10); 88% of total) and WBSe (135 (16); 98%). Organic forms were predominant in both serum and WB: SeCys: 15 (2) and 20 (3); and SeMet: 54 (9) and 92 (13), respectively. Selenoneine was detected in WBSe at mean concentrations of 24 (5) μg/L. Together, SeMet and selenoneine accounted for 85% of the additional WBSe not present in serum. Inorganic Se was not detected in WB but comprised 5% of serum. ConclusionsApproximately half of the Se in whole blood is in the cellular fraction. SeMet was enriched in WB and the most abundant form, relative to selenoneine which was not found in serum. Small amounts of inorganic serum Se may be artifactual due to freeze-thaw related degradation. These findings require confirmation in other settings but suggest that serum Se may not be a suitable biomarker of population status. Funding SourcesBMGF.

Supranutritional Selenium-Yeast Supplementation of Beef Cows during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy Results in Higher Whole-Blood Selenium Concentrations in Their Calves at Weaning, but Not Enough to Improve Nasal Microbial Diversity.

Simple SummaryWe previously showed that feeding selenium-enriched alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves diversified the nasal microbiome and improved health and growth in the feedlot, resulting in greater carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether selenium supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters similarly improves health and performance. Maternal supranutritional selenium supplementation during pregnancy increases selenium concentrations in calves, but is more effective the shorter the time period between maternal supplementation and assessment. Thus, calves should be fed selenium-enriched forages again at weaning in order to see a benefit in the nasal microbiome abundance and diversity, and consequently, in carcass measurements at slaughter.We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program increases whole-blood Se (WB-Se) concentrations and nasal microbiome abundance and diversity during the preconditioning period, decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period, and increases carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether similar improvements can be achieved through Se supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters. In a two-year experimental study, 80 Angus-cross cows received once-weekly Se-yeast boluses containing 105 mg of Se, during either the first (TR-1), second (TR-2), or third (TR-3) pregnancy trimester, or were not bolused (CTR). Whole-blood Se concentrations were higher from CTR, to TR-1, to TR-2, and to TR-3 in newborn calves (all p < 0.01). At weaning, only calves from TR-3 mothers had higher WB-Se concentrations compared with calves from CTR mothers (p = 0.02), and no significant differences in nasal microbiome abundance and diversity or nasal microbiota were observed. In the feedlot period, morbidity was low, and no differences were observed. At slaughter, no differences in carcass weight and quality were observed. In conclusion, Se supplementation of pregnant cows is effective for increasing WB-Se concentration of newborn calves, and the increase can be sustained until weaning for calves born to TR-3 dams. However, the increase in WB-Se concentrations is small and does not result in beneficial changes in the nasal microbiome. Thus, calves should be fed Se-biofortified forages again at weaning in a preconditioning program in order to diversify the nasal microbiome prior to entering the feedlot.

Reference Ranges of Selenium in Plasma and Whole Blood for Child-Bearing-Aged Women in China.

Selenium (Se) is a “dual-surface” element. Both Se-deficiency and Se-overload have bad effects on humans. The amount of Se in the blood is a good indicator of Se intake, and there are considerable differences in the reference ranges among different regions and populations. The purpose of this study was to establish the age-specific reference interval of blood Se in healthy child-bearing-aged women in China. A total of 187 healthy women aged 18–45 years old were enrolled with strict inclusion criteria from the China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (2015 CACDNS) database to establish the reference interval of Se. Plasma and whole-blood Se were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The reference range (RR) estimated as P2.5–P97.5 percentiles (geometric mean) was 73.81–140.75 (100.94) μg/L and P2.5–P97.5 percentiles (median) 81.06–164.75 (121.05) μg/L for plasma and whole-blood Se, respectively. The proposed RR of plasma Se in this study was used to evaluate the Se nutritional status of a representative sample of 1950 women of child-bearing age who were randomly selected from 2015 CACDNS. The proportion of Se level lower than P2.5 cut-off value was 24.05%, and there were 5.08% child-bearing-aged women with plasma Se higher than the upper limit of RR. Women in the western and rural areas tend to have lower Se levels.

Supranutritional Maternal Organic Selenium Supplementation during Different Trimesters of Pregnancy Affects the Muscle Gene Transcriptome of Newborn Beef Calves in a Time-Dependent Manner.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for growth and immune function in beef cattle. We previously showed that supranutritional maternal organic Se supplementation during late pregnancy improves immune function in their newborn calves; however, the effects of maternal organic Se-supplementation on fetal programming during different pregnancy stages have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effects of supranutritional maternal organic Se-supplementation in different pregnancy trimesters on their beef calf’s genome-wide transcriptome profiles. Within 12 to 48 h of birth, whole blood and Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle biopsies were collected from calves born to 40 crossbred Angus cows that received, except for the control group (CTR), Se-yeast boluses (105 mg of Se/wk) during the first (TR1), second (TR2), or third (TR3) trimester of gestation. Whole-blood Se concentrations of newborn calves increased from CTR, TR1, TR2 to TR3, whereas muscle Se concentrations of newborn calves were only increased in TR3 group. We identified 3048 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across all group comparisons (FDR ≤ 0.05 and |log2FC| ≥ 1.5). Furthermore, we predicted 237 unique transcription factors that putatively regulate the DEGs. Independent of supplementation trimester, supranutritional maternal organic Se supplementation downregulated genes involved in adaptive immunity in all trimesters. Dependent on supplementation trimester, genes involved in muscle development were upregulated by TR3 Se supplementation and downregulated by TR1 Se-supplementation, and genes involved in collagen formation were downregulated by TR2 Se-supplementation. Supranutritional maternal organic Se supplementation in the last trimester of pregnancy resulted in upregulation of myosin and actin filament associated genes, potentially allowing for optimal muscle function and contraction. Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of supranutritional maternal organic Se supplementation during late gestation on Se-status and muscle development and function of newborn calves.

Influence of Haemolysis on the Mineral Profile of Cattle Serum.

Simple SummaryThe results of blood tests routinely used in clinical chemistry can be altered by haemolysis, the disruption of red blood cells. Haemolysis of serum samples is recognized to be the leading cause of preanalytical errors in clinical laboratories. The influence of haemolysis must be specifically studied for each analyte and species of clinical interest, as it is often not known how serum samples are affected. Little is known about the potential alterations in the concentrations of mineral elements in haemolyzed serum in general and the phenomenon has not been specifically studied in bovine serum samples. We investigate how haemolysis affects the mineral content of bovine samples.Haemolysis of serum samples is the leading cause of preanalytical errors in clinical laboratories. Little is known about the potential alterations in the concentrations of mineral elements in haemolyzed serum and the phenomenon has not been specifically studied in bovine serum samples. We investigate how haemolysis affects the mineral content of bovine samples. We used ICP-MS to measure the concentrations of 12 mineral elements (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Se and Zn) in bovine whole blood, serum and gradually haemolyzed samples and observed significant differences between the different types of samples, particularly in the Fe and Zn concentrations. However, in practice, the high interindividual variability makes it difficult to establish whether a given value corresponds to normal or haemolyzed samples. In response to this problem, we propose to consider that a result is significantly biased when the haemolysis threshold (the degree of haemolysis above which the concentration of an element in serum is significantly altered) of a given element is surpassed. The haemolysis threshold values for the different elements considered were found as follows: 0.015 g Hb L−1 for Fe, 2 g for Zn, 4 g for Cr and 8 g for Ca, Se and Mo.

Increased depression risk for elderly women with high blood levels of strontium and barium

There are few epidemiological studies on the relationships between trace element exposure and depression in the elderly Chinese population. We studied the levels of strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), barium (Ba), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in whole blood, and the relationships between trace element exposure and depressive symptoms in elderly Chinese individuals in a community. Data was obtained from the baseline investigation of the Health of Elderly and Environment Risk Factor Cohort, established in Lu'an municipality, Anhui Province, China, from June to September 2016. The levels of eight trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), reflecting individuals’ exposure levels. The geriatric depression scale (GDS-30) was applied to screen depression in the elderly cohort. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between trace elements and depressive symptoms. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results show that among of 954 elderly participants, 27.13%, had depressive symptoms according to the GDS-30. The detection rate of Al was 91.70%, the detection rate of Ti was 89.55%, and the detection rate of other six mineral elements was 94.12–94.31%. High concentrations of Sr and Ba were found to be risk factors for depressive symptoms. Sr and Ba tertiles were related to an increased risk of depressive symptoms, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.84 and 2.15 for the highest tertiles, respectively. When stratified by sex, increased whole blood levels of Sr and Ba were associated with depressive symptoms in women, but not in men.

Feeding selenium-biofortified alfalfa hay during the preconditioning period improves growth, carcass weight, and nasal microbial diversity of beef calves.

We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period. To understand the mode of action by which supranutritional Se supplementation supports calf health, we examined the effect of agronomic Se-biofortification on nasal microbiome and fecal parasites. Recently weaned Angus-cross beef calves (n = 30) were randomly assigned to two groups and fed an alfalfa hay-based diet for 9 weeks in a preconditioning program. Alfalfa hay was harvested from fields fertilized with sodium selenate at a rate of 0 or 90 g Se/ha. Calculated Se intake from dietary sources was 1.09 and 27.45 mg Se/calf per day for calves consuming alfalfa hay with Se concentrations of 0.06 and 3.47 mg Se/kg dry matter, respectively. Feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay for 9 weeks was effective at increasing whole-blood Se concentrations (556 ± 11 vs 140 ± 11 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and increasing body weight (PTreatment, = 0.03) in weaned beef calves. Slaughter yield grades were higher for calves that had been fed Se-enriched alfalfa hay during the preconditioning period (PTreatment = 0.008). No significant differences were observed in fecal parasite load, which remained low. The nasal microbiome and microbiota diversity within calves and across calves expanded from weaning (week 0) to the feedlot period (week 12), which was promoted by feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay. Especially concerning was the expansion of nasal Mycoplasmataceae in the feedlot, which reached over 50% of the total microbiota in some calves. In conclusion, we identified dietary Se-biofortified alfalfa hay as a potential promoter of nasal microbiome genome and microbiota diversity, which may explain in part high-Se benefits for prevention of bovine respiratory disease complex in beef calves.

Dietary Selenium Supplementation Ameliorates Female Reproductive Efficiency in Aging Mice.

Female reproductive (ovarian) aging is distinctively characterized by a markedly reduced reproductive function due to a remarkable decline in quality and quantity of follicles and oocytes. Selenium (Se) has been implicated in playing many important biological roles in male fertility and reproduction; however, its potential roles in female reproduction, particularly in aging subjects, remain poorly elucidated. Therefore, in the current study we used a murine model of female reproductive aging and elucidated how different Se-levels might affect the reproductive efficiency in aging females. Our results showed that at the end of an 8-week dietary trial, whole-blood Se concentration and blood total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were significantly reduced in Se-deficient (0.08 mg Se/kg; Se-D) mice, whereas both of these biomarkers were significantly higher in inorganic (0.33 mg/kg; ISe-S) and organic (0.33 mg/kg; OSe-S) Se-supplemented groups. Similarly, compared to the Se-D group, Se supplementation significantly ameliorated the maintenance of follicles and reduced the rate of apoptosis in ovaries. Meanwhile, the rate of in vitro-produced embryos resulting from germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes was also significantly improved in Se-supplemented (ISe-S and OSe-S) groups compared to the Se-D mice, in which none of the embryos developed to the hatched blastocyst stage. RT-qPCR results revealed that mRNA expression of Gpx1, Gpx3, Gpx4, Selenof, p21, and Bcl-2 genes in ovaries of aging mice was differentially modulated by dietary Se levels. A considerably higher mRNA expression of Gpx1, Gpx3, Gpx4, and Selenof was observed in Se-supplemented groups compared to the Se-D group. Similarly, mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and p21 was significantly lower in Se-supplemented groups. Immunohistochemical assay also revealed a significantly higher expression of GPX4 in Se-supplemented mice. Our results reasonably indicate that Se deficiency (or marginal levels) can negatively impact the fertility and reproduction in females, particularly those of an advancing age, and that the Se supplementation (inorganic and organic) can substantiate ovarian function and overall reproductive efficiency in aging females.

A Comparative Study of Leptin, Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Some Trace Elements in Women of Healthy Control and Unexplained Infertility in Basrah-Iraq

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no study regarding women with unexplained infertility in the province of Basrah, Iraq. This study was conducted to compare the level of leptin, oxidant/antioxidant status, and some trace element levels in women of healthy control and unexplained infertility.METHODS: From total 96 women subjects, 32 subjects had primary unexplained infertility, 31 had secondary unexplained infertility, while 33 fertile women were taken as controls. The body mass index (BMI) of subjects was calculated with standard procedures. The level of fasting serum leptin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) were measured by flame, copper (Cu) by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry, while Selenium (Se) in whole blood was determined using hydride generation method.RESULTS: Non-significant changes (p&gt;0.05) were seen in the level of BMI, leptin, TSH, FSH, LH and LH/FSH ratio. Level of 4-HNE, LOOH and Cu were significantly increased (p&lt;0.01), while level of GSH, SOD, CAT, TAC, Se, Zn and Mg were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.01) in primary and secondary type of unexplained infertility, compared to control.CONCLUSION: Serum leptin hormone is significantly associated with BMI and physical activity in both groups. The significant difference in oxidant/antioxidants status between unexplained infertile and fertile women may suggests a possible additional role of oxidative stress mechanisms in pathophysiology of unexplained infertility.KEYWORDS: unexplained infertility, leptin, oxidative stress, antioxidants, trace elements

Assessing the stability of Cd, Mn, Pb, Se, and total Hg in whole human blood by ICP-DRC-MS as a function of temperature and time

BackgroundComprehensive information on the effect of time and temperature storage on the measurement of elements in human, whole blood (WB) by inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS) is lacking, particularly for Mn and Se. MethodsHuman WB was spiked at 3 concentration levels, dispensed, and then stored at 5 different temperatures: -70 °C, −20 °C, 4 °C, 23 °C, and 37 °C. At 3 and 5 weeks, and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 36 months, samples were analyzed for Pb, Cd, Mn, Se and total Hg, using ICP-DRC-MS. We used a multiple linear regression model including time and temperature as covariates to fit the data with the measurement value as the outcome. We used an equivalence test using ratios to determine if results from the test storage conditions, warmer temperature and longer time, were comparable to the reference storage condition of 3 weeks storage time at −70 °C. ResultsModel estimates for all elements in human WB samples stored in polypropylene cryovials at −70 °C were equivalent to estimates from samples stored at 37 °C for up to 2 months, 23 °C up to 10 months, and −20 °C and 4 °C for up to 36 months. Model estimates for samples stored for 3 weeks at −70 °C were equivalent to estimates from samples stored for 2 months at −20 °C, 4 °C, 23 °C and 37 °C; 10 months at −20 °C, 4 °C, and 23 °C; and 36 months at −20 °C and 4 °C. This equivalence was true for all elements and pools except for the low concentration blood pool for Cd. ConclusionsStorage temperatures of −20 °C and 4 °C are equivalent to −70 °C for stability of Cd, Mn, Pb, Se, and Hg in human whole blood for at least 36 months when blood is stored in sealed polypropylene vials. Increasing the sample storage temperature from −70 °C to −20 °C or 4 °C can lead to large energy savings. The best analytical results are obtained when storage time at higher temperature conditions (e.g. 23 °C and 37 °C) is minimized because recovery of Se and Hg is reduced. Blood samples stored in polypropylene cryovials also lose volume over time and develop clots at higher temperature conditions (e.g., 23 °C and 37 °C), making them unacceptable for elemental testing after 10 months and 2 months, respectively.

Essential and non-essential trace elements among working populations in Ghana

BackgroundLead battery repair workers (LBRW) and electronic repair workers (ERW) may be exposed to inorganic components during work. This study aimed at determining essential and non-essential trace elements in male LBRW, ERW, referents and a group of female petty traders (FPT) in Kumasi (Ghana), taking into account iron status and inflammation. MethodsAltogether 64 LBRW, 64 ERW, 65 referents and 26 FPT were investigated in this cross-sectional study. Urine, whole blood and serum were collected for determination of trace elements. C-reactive protein and ferritin were determined in serum. ResultsThe LBRW had higher blood concentrations of manganese (B-Mn) and lead (B-Pb) and antimony in urine (U-Sb), and lower concentrations of cobalt in blood (B-Co). Being ERW was associated with higher concentrations of blood cadmium (B-Cd), urinary tin (U-Sn) and serum chromium (S-Cr). Concentrations of selenium (B-Se), Co and mercury (B-Hg) in whole blood and iodine in urine (U-I) were relatively high. Marginal iron status appeared to be a determinant for elevated concentrations of Co in particular, but also Mn and Cd in blood. Systemic inflammation was associated with the concentrations of copper and Se. The concentrations of Hg in whole blood were highly associated with Se and arsenic (As) in whole blood, indicating fish consumption as a common source of intake of these elements. However, Hg in whole blood was only slightly associated with Se in serum. ConclusionsThe ERW had elevated concentrations of B-Cd, S-Cr, and U-Sn, while B-Mn, B-Pb, and U-Sb concentrations were higher among the LBRW. Iron status and inflammation had substantial impact on some element concentration. This population had high concentrations of B-Se, B-Hg and B-Co and U-I.

Weaned beef calves fed selenium-biofortified alfalfa hay have an enriched nasal microbiota compared with healthy controls.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral important for immune function and overall health of cattle. The nasopharyngeal microbiota in cattle plays an important role in overall respiratory health, especially when stresses associated with weaning, transport, and adaptation to a feedlot affect the normal respiratory defenses. Recent evidence suggests that cattle diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease complex have significantly less bacterial diversity. The objective of this study was to determine whether feeding weaned beef calves Se-enriched alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay for 9 weeks in a preconditioning program prior to entering the feedlot alters nasal microbiota. Recently weaned beef calves (n = 45) were blocked by sex and body weight, randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups with 3 pens of 5 calves per treatment group, and fed an alfalfa hay based diet for 9 weeks. Alfalfa hay was harvested from fields fertilized with sodium selenate at a rate of 0, 45.0 or 89.9 g Se/ha. Blood samples were collected biweekly and analyzed for whole-blood Se concentrations. Nasal swabs were collected during week 9 from one or two calves from each pen (total n = 16). Calculated Se intake from dietary sources was 3.0, 15.6, and 32.2 mg Se/head/day for calves consuming alfalfa hay with Se concentrations of 0.34 to 2.42 and 5.17 mg Se/kg dry matter, respectively. Whole-blood Se concentrations after 8 weeks of feeding Se-fertilized alfalfa hay were dependent upon Se-application rates (0, 45.0, or 89.9 g Se/ha) and were 155, 345, and 504 ng/mL (PLinear < 0.0001). Microbial DNA was extracted from nasal swabs and amplified and sequenced. Alpha rarefaction curves comparing the species richness (observed OTUs) and overall diversity (Chao1, Observed OTU, and Shannon index) between calves fed selenium-biofortified alfalfa hay compared with control calves showed that Se-supplementation tended to be associated with an enriched nasal microbiota. ANOSIM of unweighted UniFrac distances showed that calves fed high Se-biofortified alfalfa hay clustered separately when compared with control calves in the PCoA plot (R = 0.216, P = 0.04). The bacterial orders Lactobacillales and Flavobacteriales were increased in healthy control calves compared with Clostridiales and Bacteroidales being increased in calves fed Se-biofortified alfalfa hay. Although there were strong trends, no significant differences were noted for any of the bacterial taxa. Based upon these findings, we suggest that weaned beef calves fed Se-biofortified hay tend to have an enriched nasal microbiota. Feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves prior to entering the feedlot is a strategy for increasing nasopharyngeal microbial diversity.

Quantification of multiple elements in dried blood spot samples

BackgroundDried blood spots (DBS) is a unique matrix that offers advantages compared to conventional blood collection making it increasingly popular in large population studies. We here describe development and validation of a method to determine multiple elements in DBS. MethodsElements were extracted from punches and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method was evaluated with quality controls with defined element concentration and blood spiked with elements to assess accuracy and imprecision. DBS element concentrations were compared with concentrations in venous blood. Samples with different hematocrit were spotted onto filter paper to assess hematocrit effect. ResultsThe established method was precise and accurate for measurement of most elements in DBS. There was a significant but relatively weak correlation between measurement of the elements Mg, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Se in DBS and venous whole blood. Hematocrit influenced the DBS element measurement, especially for K, Fe and Zn. ConclusionTrace elements can be measured with high accuracy and low imprecision in DBS, but contribution of signal from the filter paper influences measurement of some elements present at low concentrations. Simultaneous measurement of K and Fe in DBS extracts may be used to estimate sample hematocrit.